Trump threatens ‘massive’ tariffs and cancelling meeting after China’s rare earth curb

BEIJING — President Trump is threatening new tariffs a day after China introduced new restrictions on exports of rare earths and related technology on Thursday. Analysts say the export controls were an attempt to boost Beijing’s leverage in trade talks with the United States, but Trump now says he may call off a planned meeting … Read more

‘I’m done being afraid’: How the shutdown has led federal workers to speak out

As the government shutdown stretches into its second week, hundreds of thousands of federal workers are not working — and more are not getting paid. The White House has thrown into question whether some will ever be made whole. Still, for the first time in awhile, Monica Gorman is upbeat. “I’m feeling energized, honestly,” says … Read more

The Energy Department canceled billions in funding. Democrats say it’s retribution

The Department of Energy is cancelling more than $7 billion in funding for hundreds of projects that the agency said don’t address the country’s energy needs and aren’t economically viable. The DOE issued the announcement late Wednesday, the first day of a government shutdown and hours after White House Office of Management and Budget Director … Read more

Renewable energy outpaces coal for electricity generation in historic first, report says

For the first time, renewable energy has overtaken coal as the primary source of electricity around the world, a new report says, indicating a shift in the global reliance on environmentally harmful fossil fuels. Renewable energy contributed 34.3% of all global electricity generated in the first half of 2025, while coal fell to 33.1%, the … Read more

Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on

The Trump administration has laid off more than 100 employees at the nation’s main mental health agency, NPR has learned. The Trump administration has laid off more than 100 employees at the nation’s main mental health agency, NPR has learned. Current and former employees at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) told … Read more

Nobel Prize winner Machado says Venezuela is in ‘chaos’ under current regime

Venezuela opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado said in an interview with NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday that her country is in chaos and called for the removal of Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado said in an interview with NPR’s Weekend … Read more